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Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:31
Abstract
The knowledge of plant species is at the core of most designs in landscape architecture. This course will introduce basic knowledge about the following topics: habitats of Switzerland (types, determination, conditions), expanding plant knowledge of native herbs, working with plant identification keys.
Objective
The students will be able to recognize and determine around fifty native herbs and implement them in their designs. They will understand the greater biogeographic connections in Switzerland and know the most important habitats with their conditions. They will further expand their knowledge about botanical terms and vocabulary which allow them to use botanical literature for their designs.
Content
Expansion of the plant knowledge of native species is at the core of this course. The course builds up on “Plant Systematics I”. Theoretical and practical lectures are supporting the students to expand their knowledge. They will broaden their botanical knowledge which allow them to professionally integrate plants in their designs. The concepts will be illustrated and discussed with fresh material to tie the theoretical basics with practical experience. The course is structured into three topics: 1) The understanding of biogeographic connections in relation to climate, soil, altitude, exposure, etc. is essential to implement a design in architecture landscapes successfully. 2) We use the most important habitats of Switzerland to explain plant societies and phytosociology. This knowledge is essential to find the most appropriate planting in the designs. 3) The knowledge of plants will be expanded to fifty native herbs using fresh plant material during the lecture and on short excursions around the campus. The students will learn how to use a plant identification key and Apps in order to be able to identify plants on their own. Thereby they will also expand their knowledge about botanical terms.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Literature and slides will be provided on the student server.
Literature
The relevant literature and content for the examination will be indicated during the course.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Information
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 60 minutes
- Aids
- magnifying glasses
Registration & Places
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Plant Systematics II
No lecture on the [16.3.] (Seminar week) and during the last two weeks of the semester.
The lecture will take place from 9.3. - 11.5. on Monday from 8:00 - 10:45.
The one day excursion will be on the 6.6.2026.
|
|
3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Core Courses (The core courses build on the basic courses and convey basic, broad knowledge in the core areas of landscape architecture in relation to design lessons. Some of the core courses are compulsory and some are freely selectable. Further details, in particular about taking these subjects, for performance assessments and for compensating for failed subjects, are regulated in Art. 27 and Art. 31 Paragraph 4.)
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